Background and objectives: The Design Program at Linnaeus University offers a foundation in design aiming to develop design skills related to both generalists and specialists. It is divided into themes integrating professional traditions with research and interaction with society. The main sustainability course in the third year has gradually developed a progressive frame for studies in design and social innovation. The establishment of the Linnaeus University DESIS Lab serves to formalize our efforts within this frame by giving the opportunity to promote social innovation and create a foundation for research projects with a view to educating the next generation of designers. The Linnaeus University DESIS Lab has a multidisciplinary approach including design students and different stakeholders in society. The mutual impact of the interaction increases students’ motivation for sustainability and their understanding of design and the role of designers in communities and organizations within society. The main objective of the Linnaeus University DESIS Lab is to offer students knowledge and training in social innovation by direct interaction with society. This gives them experience in communicating their projects with presumptive users as well as receiving immediate feedback from stakeholders. At the same time, communities and/or organizations involved in the projects get in touch with design by participating in the design process, which will contribute to a better understanding of design and designers’ role in society. Other objectives are to propose new projects to be developed in partnership with local communities, non-profit organizations and other stakeholders that contribute to a sustainable community.

Primary research areas and activities: Design and its disciplines, social innovation and welfare, sustainability, depending on the theme and the projects developed. The main themes are cities, public services and households with specific examples from neighbourhoods, elderly care, childcare, cultural heritage, healthcare, education, social services, cultural initiatives, small enterprises and social enterprises. The wide range is a result of the projects’ holistic approach, connecting different aspects of a main area and enabling design students to conduct in-depth studies in a specific design discipline.

List of projects and research: Ageing in Alvesta – how can an immersive design pedagogy support better lives for an ageing population? 2014. We (teachers and students) explore ageing, as we see dignified ageing in its own right, and the reality of an ageing population, as intrinsically linked to long-term social, cultural, ecological and economic flourishing.